If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Pacers: Trade Deadline Countdown, Who's on the Block?

With a couple days off for the Pacers, I thought I’d introduce a series of stories tracking potential trades Indiana could make between now and the March 15th deadline. With roughly a month to go before things start to get frantic, and down to the wire, Indiana will continue finding itself involved in nearly every major trade conversation out there, due to the approximate $14 million the team has in cap space (when you consider James Posey’s off-season amnesty waiver). Before we really delve into realistic trade scenarios that may help the blue and gold, let’s take a trip around the league and see who’s available.

Devin Harris, PG Utah

February 13, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; Utah Jazz point guard Devin Harris (5) drives past New Orleans Hornets shooting guard Marco Belinelli (8) and small forward Trevor Ariza (1) during the first quarter of a game at the New Orleans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

Contract: 2 years at $17.8 million

Breakdown: There have been some passing mentions of Harris in several trade scenarios involving the Jazz, which doesn’t make a ton of sense need wise. Utah is pretty thin on star point guard talent but has plenty of frontcourt assets. Earl Watson has proven a more reliable offensive floor general for the Jazz than has Harris. Harris still technically starts, but is averaging fewer minutes per game than he has since his second season, and seeing some near career-low win share and PER numbers, to go along with a pretty anemic scoring average. He’ll be 29 in a week, and seemingly can no longer do the one thing he’s always been pretty good at: scoring. Naturally the Jazz could be looking to dump him, and he may be looking for a change of scenery as well.

Likelihood of getting traded: 40%

While Harris looks like a prime trade candidate from Utah’s perspective, he’s certainly not helping his value right now. It may take a transformation to “the expiring contract of Devin Harris” for him to garner any interest, and that won’t happen until next year.

Breakdown: The Suns have all but told Nash that he ought to explore trade options, but there have also been whispers that they’re working out a two year deal for the 38 year-old to retire on. Considering how loyal Nash has been throughout the whole process, it’s unlikely he’ll ever push for a trade. But contending teams interested in adding the still-effective future Hall of Famer, if only for a rental period, may make Phoenix an offer they can’t refuse.

Likelihood of getting traded: %55

There are a handful of teams that would probably overpay for Nash just so he can be that “missing piece,” and another handful who would offer fair value if he agreed to sign at least a two-year extension this summer. That may be the deciding factor. For instance, if you were Steve Nash would you extend with, say, the Charlotte Bobcats?

Chris Kaman, PF/C NOR

Contract: 1 year (expiring) $14 million

Breakdown: Kaman was the most obvious candidate on this list because, well, he was already offered in vague trade scenarios earlier in the season, whereupon New Orleans benched him, asked for too much for him, withdrew him from the market, then let him play (pretty darn well)…in that inexplicable order. After showcasing that he’s still a viable, potentially start-worthy NBA big, Kaman could, and should find himself back on the trade block soon, assuming the ever-so-injury plagued Hornets can even field a roster without him. They’ll be looking for young pieces and/or draft picks, and will receive calls from the usual suspects. Other teams, without the cap space to absorb his pro-rated, yet still huge contract (like Miami) will simply wait and hope Kaman gets bought out so they can sign him for dirt cheap, which is as unfair as it sounds (remember, the NBA owns and partially operates the Hornets).

Likelihood of getting traded: 65%

This was obviously near 90% a few weeks ago, but with the buy-out talk, and New Orleans “withdrawing” Kaman from trade consideration, there’s some degree of confusion as to whether the league wants to: A. get something for Kaman in a salary dump (while also saving a ton of money off of the Hornets’ books for a potential buyer) or B. Get nothing for him (except for maybe a few saved million in a buy out) while simultaneously hand-picking a starting center for their (the NBA’s) best team. Remains to be seen.

O.J. Mayo, SG MEM

Feb 6, 2012; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies shooting guard O.J. Mayo (32) celebrates after shooting a three point shot during the game against the San Antonio Spurs at the FedEx Forum. The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 89-84. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-US PRESSWIRE

Contract: 1 year, $5.6 million (expiring, $7.4 million qualifier)

Breakdown: Mayo’s name has surfaced in several trade rumors since this time last year, when he was oh-so-close to being traded to the Pacers for Josh McRoberts and (maybe?) a pick. Since then, the Grizzlies have moved him on and off the market, and though his stats have tailed off to the same sort of disappointing levels they hit last year, he’s found his niche as a bench scorer for Memphis. Either way, he’s expendable and has garnered attention in trades over the last calendar year.

Likelihood of getting traded: 33%

It all depends, I guess, on how hard the Pacers, or maybe the Timberwolves pursue Mayo. If either of these teams are willing to overpay for him, the Grizzlies may change their strange “untouchable” market lable.

Stephen Jackson, SG/SF MIL

Contract: 2 years, $19.3 million

Breakdown: Jackson has fallen out of favor, and out of the rotation in Milwaukee. Luckily he is yet to charge the stands and fight any fans, nor involve himself in any gun-related altercations. If only the Pacers were so lucky seven years ago. Jackson has talent, but his age, contract and his combustible personality may combine to doom any realistic trade talks.

Likelihood of getting traded: 15%

Jackson may go the tragic way of the too-late-to-amnesty buyout. If that happens, look for him to latch on to a contender (remember, he has title experience). But with all his baggage, the Bucks are going to have to take back a bad contract or two just to get rid of him. Hmm…sounds somehow familiar…

Chris Andersen, PF/C DEN

Feb 15, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Denver Nuggets center Chris Andersen (11) reacts after making a shot against the Dallas Mavericks during the second quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-US PRESSWIRE

Contract: 3 years, $13.5 million

Breakdown: Rumblings around the Twitter-sphere are that Denver would have no problem cutting “The Birdman” loose for the right price. Though he’s gotten some burn lately, once Nene fully recovers from his injury, sources speculate Andersen may be just as available on the open market as fellow Western Conference big man Chris Kaman.

Likelihood of getting traded: 40%

Andersen’s contract obviously isn’t as attractive, length-wise, as Kaman’s. But for a 33 year old he’s got low tread on his tires, and still provides plenty of defense/hustle (he averaged over 5 blocks per 48 minutes as recently at 2008-09!). Someone will want him. It’ll just depend on Denver’s asking price.

Pau Gasol, PF LAL

Contract: 3 years, $57 million

Breakdown: We know Gasol is on the market, thanks to the now-famous vetoed trade that almost sent him to Houston this off-season. It’s also well-documented that LA needs point guard help. Barring the unexpected event that their current flirtation with Gilbert Arenas ends well, Gasol could be dangled again for a legit floor general, or as part of a three-way that brings one to LA.

Likelihood of getting traded: 10%

There’s just too much money there. The original Hornets-Rockets-Lakers deal was sort of unfair, but at least it was more fair than the trade that originally brought Gasol to LA. Don’t expect the veteran to be involved in another lopsided one like that.

Rajon Rondo, PG BOS

Feb 09, 2012; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo (9) warms up before the start of the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-US PRESSWIRE

Contract: 4 years, $46 million

Breakdown: Rondo is a name that we always hear in trade rumors because, for whatever reason, Danny Ainge just doesn’t seem that attached to him. Rondo’s known personality issues aside, he’s one of the five or six best point guards in the league, and is fairly-paid. There are several teams that would gladly overpay for his services, and it looks like it’s only a matter of time.

Likelihood of getting traded: 25%

It may be only a matter of time, but that time won’t be this season, unless a team like Indiana, with salary cap space, makes a run at acquiring him in a salary dump where they give up a pick or two.

Re: Pacers: Trade Deadline Countdown, Who's on the Block?

Im most nervous about Roy and his true worth compared to market value. If some team swoops in with a max or close to max offer, might have to pass

OJ only if its no more than a first and a player like lou or pendegrass

If Im LA though I would seriously consider making a play for S Jax. LA has no fire power and Bucks , I know want to get rid of him. Mike Brown knows Jax and can probably keep him focused , and a focused Jax at the 3 in LA, would help their chances at getting to Western Confernce Finals

Re: Pacers: Trade Deadline Countdown, Who's on the Block?

Breakdown: Rondo is a name that we always hear in trade rumors because, for whatever reason, Danny Ainge just doesn’t seem that attached to him. Rondo’s known personality issues aside, he’s one of the five or six best point guards in the league, and is fairly-paid. There are several teams that would gladly overpay for his services, and it looks like it’s only a matter of time.

Likelihood of getting traded: 0%

It may be only a matter of time, but that time won’t be this season, unless a team like Indiana, with salary cap space, makes a run at acquiring him in a salary dump where they give up a pick or two.

Re: Pacers: Trade Deadline Countdown, Who's on the Block?

Another person I'd be interested in is Eric Bledsoe. Maybe not a starter, but definitely as a backup. Dudes not even playing in Clipperland.

Also, with OKC locking up Westbrook, I wonder if they'd be willing to part with Reggie Jackson. Dude could be a lockdown defender for a backup.

trading for Reggie Jackson would be my dream come true from last years draft. But I think Eric Maynor going down killed that dream for this year at least. Reggie is getting better every game as the backup I am still really liking his development so far.

He will be a great pg in a few years if he keeps developing like he should.

EDIT: If we would of traded back and drafted him and Nikola Mirotic that would of been my dream draft. I love both of their games Nikola is gonna be a really good player IMO.

IMO We may be able to trade for Reggie in a few years if he plays well and the Thunder pull a George Hill and trade him because they cant afford to resign him.

EDIT: anyone eles think DJ Augustine gets traded?? He is due for a pretty big pay day this off season and Kemba is there and is cheaper and may be who they view as the long term starter. They would be smart to pull a George Hill trade and trade him oppsose to letting him walk in free agency it would be smart IMO IF Jordan traded him.

Re: Pacers: Trade Deadline Countdown, Who's on the Block?

trading for Reggie Jackson would be my dream come true from last years draft. But I think Eric Maynor going down killed that dream for this year at least. Reggie is getting better every game as the backup I am still really liking his development so far.

He will be a great pg in a few years if he keeps developing like he should.

EDIT: anyone eles think DJ Augustine gets traded?? He is due for a pretty big pay day this off season and Kemba is there and is cheaper and may be who they view as the long term starter. They would be smart to pull a George Hill trade and trade him oppsose to letting him walk in free agency it would be smart IMO IF Jordan traded him.

I think DJ should get traded, but who knows with Jordan. He kills almost every deal.

Re: Pacers: Trade Deadline Countdown, Who's on the Block?

The guy who wrote the article is 31.

This http://www.lulu.com/product/hardcove...pecial/6369819 however was apparently written by the 13 year old. Some of you may remember this kid from PD, and let's just say his posts were, um, interesting. This book may be worth the unintentional humor it would provide.

Re: Pacers: Trade Deadline Countdown, Who's on the Block?

EDIT: anyone eles think DJ Augustine gets traded?? He is due for a pretty big pay day this off season and Kemba is there and is cheaper and may be who they view as the long term starter. They would be smart to pull a George Hill trade and trade him oppsose to letting him walk in free agency it would be smart IMO IF Jordan traded him.

YEP! MJ wouldn't pay Felton to keep him when he had Augustin on a rookie contract, and he'll do the same with Augustin since he has Kembain in order to get something back for Augustin. I realize Augustin is a RFA, but MJ won't match thus the trade.

Re: Pacers: Trade Deadline Countdown, Who's on the Block?

YEP! MJ wouldn't pay Felton to keep him when he had Augustin on a rookie contract, and he'll do the same with Augustin since he has Kembain in order to get something back for Augustin. I realize Augustin is a RFA, but MJ won't match thus the trade.

Ya I agree IMO it doesnt make sense to resign him because they are so far from contending it would be a waste of money and of DJ's talent. If they can get decent trade value I would pull the trigger on a trade. It was the very reason I wanted to trade Granger a few years ago. We wasted 4 yrs of his prime years rebuilding plus his value was sky high after the MIP season that is when I would of dealt him(obviously would of had to get the right value though).

Re: Pacers: Trade Deadline Countdown, Who's on the Block?

This http://www.lulu.com/product/hardcove...pecial/6369819 however was apparently written by the 13 year old. Some of you may remember this kid from PD, and let's just say his posts were, um, interesting. This book may be worth the unintentional humor it would provide.

Re: Pacers: Trade Deadline Countdown, Who's on the Block?

This http://www.lulu.com/product/hardcove...pecial/6369819 however was apparently written by the 13 year old. Some of you may remember this kid from PD, and let's just say his posts were, um, interesting. This book may be worth the unintentional humor it would provide.

Re: Pacers: Trade Deadline Countdown, Who's on the Block?

This http://www.lulu.com/product/hardcove...pecial/6369819 however was apparently written by the 13 year old. Some of you may remember this kid from PD, and let's just say his posts were, um, interesting. This book may be worth the unintentional humor it would provide.

Yeah, after seeing the cover and reading the synopsis I'm thinking this would make a great gag gift.

Kwame Brown. Yes, yes, we all know he sucks. But this book really has nothing to do with him. This book brings one of the most popular bloggers from the Internet to share their favorite stories about the NBA and what has made it so great. The stuff are humorous, statistical (barely), and awesome. This book is all about the NBA, and if you're a fan of it, this is for you!

Re: Pacers: Trade Deadline Countdown, Who's on the Block?

The kid Josh now runs a different site (staringdownspike.com). Always Miller Time recently got taken over by someone else, I think the site just hasn't been updated. It sat idle for the longest time looking for bloggers.